It can be found growing anywhere from sea level
to alpine regions. As such, it tolerates frosts and requires moist soil. It
also grows in full or partial sun.

Male and female trees
are needed to produce the hot spicy
glossy deep-purple (almost black) pea-sized Pepper Berries which grow in clusters at the base of
new season's growth.

Both the Berry and the leaf
are edible - the Berry being an alternative to traditional pepper but much more versatile, nutritious and extremely high in anti-oxidants, while
the leaf is used similarly to curry leaf.